Sentence Skills: A Workbook for Writers, Form A John Langan Apostrophe Sentence Skills: A Workbook for Writers, Form A John Langan

Apostrophe There are two different uses of the apostrophe. Use the apostrophe with a contraction, a shortened form of a word. Use the apostrophe to show ownership or possession. A cowboy’s outfit can’t help but stand out in a crowd.

Contractions When two words are combined to make one word, an apostrophe is used to show where letters have been omitted. This is called a contraction. Contractions are reserved for informal occasions. I + have = I’ve did + not = didn’t let + us = let’s

cowboy songs were popular. Contractions It`s too late to watch a cowboy movie. (It is too late.) Note: The word it’s has two meanings. It is OR It has It`s been years since cowboy songs were popular. (It has been years.)

Understanding Contractions You MUST put the apostrophe where the letters are missing. INCORRECT: Cowboys do’nt ride on the same type of saddles as your cousin does. Correct: Cowboys don’t ride on the same type of saddles as your cousin does. The apostrophe shows the “o” has been left out.

Special Situation The combination will + not = won’t This is an unusual contraction. Many mothers won’t let their sons become cowboys.

Four Special Contractions Don’t confuse certain tricky contractions with similar sounding possessive words! Contractions Possessive Words they’re= they are it’s=it is or it has you’re=you are who’s=who is their=belonging to them its=belonging to it your=belonging to you whose=belonging to whom

Singular Nouns Use the apostrophe and an - s to form the possessive case. A cowboy’s work is never done. Frederic Remington’s art reflected the spirit of the wild west.

Singular Nouns For singular nouns ending in -s, it is acceptable to form the possessive by adding -’s or by adding only an apostrophe. The writer must be consistent throughout a piece of writing. Columbus’ horses, which he brought on his second voyage, were the first to arrive in the new world.

Plural Nouns Form the possessive of plural nouns by adding an apostrophe. The wranglers’ gloves protected their hands from rope burns, cutting reins, and cold. Indicate the possessive of plural nouns not ending in -s by adding an apostrophe and an -s. Men’s clothing often indicates their profession.

Do Not Use The Apostrophe Possessive pronouns and possessive adjectives do not use apostrophes. We can recognize an Appaloosa by its distinct spots. The spurs are ours.

Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). Children and adults throughout the world celebrate a variety of holidays. Correct

Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). American towns display fireworks as a highlight of patriotic celebrations. Correct

Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). My fathers biggest barbecue is held on the Fourth of July. Incorrect: father’s

Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). The United States postal service distributed a stamp commemorating Mexicos Cinco de Mayo. Incorrect: Mexico’s

Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). Many countries celebrate religious events as national holidays. NOTE: Countries is the plural form of country. Our country’s most popular holiday is Christmas. Correct

Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). Saint James Day is a festive day in Spain. Incorrect: James’

Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). Germanys and Italys religious celebrations are sometimes similar, even when it comes to food. Incorrect: Germany’s/ Italy’s

Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). Christmas Eve and its traditional meal of seven fishes has a basis in Germany and Italy. Correct

Apostrophe Practice Review Directions: Identify as correct or incorrect (Click to see answer.). In the 70s people did not decorate their homes for holidays, such as Saint Patricks Day and Halloween, to the extent that they do today. Incorrect: ’70s/Patrick’s